Ultimate Tried & True Items To Pack For Beach Camping + Packing List Printable

With the arrival of warmer weather, the only thing you want to do now is head straight to the nearest lake or sea and lie on the sand. If you want some quality beach time without breaking the bank, skip the vacation rental and go beach camping instead!

Beach camping is a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from it all and spend some time in nature. It is also a fun and simple way to enjoy a summer getaway with family and friends.

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Beach destinations and campgrounds are in high demand, so make sure you start planning your trip early. To make the most of your camping trip, you need to be prepared. That being said, there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you pack in order to have a successful beach camping trip.

Beach Camping Packing List

Whether you’re on the beach, beside a river, or at the seaside, these things will come in handy! This beach camping packing list will assist you in packing all of your belongings for a pleasant and fun-filled camping experience!

Beach Camping Checklist:

Make sure you include these essential camping gear on your packing list.

• Tent
• Tarp or waterproof ground cover for under the tent
• Tent stakes designed for sand 
• Sleeping bags or blankets
• Pillows
• Lantern, headlamp, or flashlight
• Matches or lighter

Beach Camping Tent

When beach camping,  you’ll want to make sure you have a good quality tent. Look for one with plenty of mesh vents and openings to allow for airflow, as well as an interior pocket to store your valuables securely.

Tent Stakes

Make sure to bring tent stakes that are designed for sand. Standard metal or plastic tent stakes will not work in sand. Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchors are great for beach camping because they are easy to use and remove.

Ground Cover

You’ll also need a tarp or ground cover to protect the bottom of your tent from sand and moisture.

Sleeping Bags or Blankets

Sleeping bags or blankets will keep you warm at night. If you’re camping in the summer, you may only need a lightweight sleeping bag or light blanket.

Pillows

Don’t forget to pack pillows for a good night’s sleep! You may want to consider bringing an air pillow so you don’t have to take up valuable space in your car. I have tried several types and like the Teton Sports Camp Pillow.

Lantern, Headlamp, or Flashlight

A light source is a must for any camping trip. I prefer USB rechargeable lanterns and headlamps because you don’t have to worry about propane. This LED lantern is bright and lightweight, making it perfect for beach camping. If you don’t want to carry a lantern, a headlamp is a good alternative.

My family has these BioLite Headlamps and we love them. They are rechargeable, have a long battery life, and are very lightweight.

Matches or Lighter

You’ll need waterproof matches or a lighter to start a fire.

Related: 9 Tips For Getting Your Best Night’s Sleep Camping in a Tent

Basic Beach Checklist:

Even if you only plan to sunbathe and do nothing else, there are a few necessities you should include on your beach packing list.

• Towels
• Hat or sunglasses
• Prescription glasses
• Water bottles
• Snacks and drinks
• Cooler with ice packs
• Camping chairs or beach blanket
• Beach umbrella and Sand Anchor

Quick Drying Towels

While at the beach, you’ll likely be swimming, snorkeling, or surfing on your trip, you’ll need to dry off afterward. Instead of packing super large, fluffy beach towels that will take ages to dry, bring microfiber travel towels—they take up less room and are quick-drying, so they’re ready to use whenever you want to hit the water again.

For beach days, I really like these Turkish Cotton Towels. For camping, we travel with our Wise Owl Travel Towels, and they work great! We’ve even been able to use them as a light blanket on cool nights.

Ice Coolers and Camping Food

Finally, you’ll need to bring some food with you to the beach, as well as a means to keep it cold. Large coolers can be inconvenient unless they are on wheels. The Yeti Tundra Haul is a great option because it will keep your food and drinks cold for days, even in high temperatures. Its two wheels and haul bar make it easy to transport, even when it’s fully loaded.

Another option is an insulated cooler bag. These are much lighter and easier to carry but won’t keep your food cold for as long as a hard-sided cooler. The Yeti Hopper M20 Soft Cooler Backpack is our top pick because it’s lightweight, well-insulated, and has a lot of handy features like a waterproof zipper and comfortable straps.

When beach fires aren’t allowed, be sure you also pack a few no-cook camping food ideas. This will ensure you have something to eat if there’s no way to cook your food or you just don’t feel like cooking. 

Want help planning your next camping trip? Shop our Etsy Shop and everything you need to plan, prep, cook and entertain on your next grand adventure!

Water and Drinks

Of course, you need to stay hydrated when spending a day in the sun. Bring enough water for everyone in your group, plus a little extra. A good rule of thumb is to bring one gallon (3.8 L) of water per person, per day.

If you’re camping near a river or lake, you can drink the water from there if you purify it first. The LifeStraw Water Filter Straw is a handy tool that will allow you to do just that. It’s also great for hiking and backpacking trips.

In addition to water, you’ll also want to bring some other drinks with you. If you’re of legal drinking age, pack beer, wine, or your favorite spirits. Non-alcoholic options like soda, juice and iced tea are also good to have on hand.

Camping Tip: If you want to keep chilled drinks when camping, pack a second ice cooler just for your drinks. The constant in/out of the cooler to grab a drink allows cold air to escape and can cause your ice to melt faster. This results in a warmer temperature inside the cooler and is ill-advised for food. So to ensure your food stays at safe temperatures, opt for a second cooler.

Camping Chairs

Camping chairs are a must for any camping trip, especially if you plan on spending time at the beach. They provide a comfortable place to sit and relax, which is important when you’re trying to enjoy the outdoors.

The REI Co-op Camp X Chair is our top pick because it’s lightweight, easy to set up, and reasonably priced. It’s also available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.

If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair is a great option. It’s a bit pricier than the REI chair, but it’s very comfortable and has a built-in beverage holder, so you can enjoy a cold drink while you relax in the sun.

Beach Umbrella & Sand Anchor

A beach umbrella is a must-have item on any beach camping packing list. It will provide you with some much-needed shade from the sun and help you stay cool while you’re spending time outdoors.

The CGear Sand-Free Umbrella is our top pick because it is large with a 8 foot canopy and sand just falls right off. 

To keep your beach umbrella secure, a sand anchor is a necessity. The Beachr beach umbrella sand anchor is our top pick because it’s easy to use and comes with everything you need to keep your umbrella in place.

If you don’t want to carry an umbrella, another option is to use a beach canopy. These are larger than umbrellas and provide more coverage, but they can be difficult to set up if you’re by yourself.

The Coleman Beach Shade Shelter is a great option because it’s easy to set up and take down, and it has a UPF 50+ rating to protect you from the sun.

Clothing Checklist

It should go without saying that you’ll want to pack some clothes to wear while beach camping. The type of clothing you bring will depend on the weather and what activities you plan on doing.

• Swimsuit
• Cover-up or rash guard
• Hiking shoes and socks or sandals
• Lightweight jacket or sweater
• Shorts
• T-shirts or tank tops
• Underwear
• Pajamas
• Water resistant duffel or luggage

Shoes for Beach Camping

Beach camping is the perfect opportunity to get some use out of your favorite flip flops. But you’ll also want to pack a pair of shoes that can be worn in the water and on the sand.

Water shoes or aqua socks are a great option because they provide protection from sharp shells and rocks, and they can be worn in the water. The Speedo Surfwalker Pro 2.0 Water Shoes are our top pick because they’re affordable, comfortable, and have a drainage system to help keep your feet dry.

For a more stylish option, the Olukai Ohana Sandals are a great choice. They’re made with high-quality materials and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Another favorite is the KEEN Newport H2 Sandal. It’s available in men’s, women’s, and childrens’ sizes, and it has a closed-toe design to protect your feet from debris.

Water-Resistant Luggage

When packing for a beach camping trip, it’s important to choose water resistant luggage/bags. This will protect your clothes and belongings from the sand and salt water.

I personally like to pack our clothes in a Sea to Summit Dry bag because they’re available in a variety of sizes, are easy to carry, and can be stowed away in the car. 

If you’re looking for something with wheels, the OspreyTransporter Rolling CarryOn is a great option. It’s water resistant and has a built-in wheeled system, so you can easily roll it to the beach.

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Toiletries Checklist:

In addition to clothes and shoes, there are some other essential items you’ll need to pack for your beach camping trip. To make sure you have a pleasant experience, don’t forget to pack these essential toiletries.

• Biodegradable shampoo and conditioner
• Biodegradable soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• After Sun Care
• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
• Feminine hygiene products (for women)
• First Aid Kit

Biodegradable Soap and Shampoos

You’ll want to make sure you pack biodegradable soap and shampoos so you don’t damage the environment. These are also a good choice if you’re camping near a water source, such as a lake or river.

Dr. Bronner’s All-in-One Liquid Soap is our top pick because it’s versatile and can be used for cleaning your body, hair, and dishes.

Mineral Based Sunscreen

Sun protection is an absolute must when spending time outdoors, and it’s especially important when you’re at the beach. The sun’s rays are more intense when they reflect off of the water, so it’s important to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF rating.

We like the Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen because it’s made with natural ingredients, it has an SPF of 50+, and it’s reef-safe.

Another great option is the Babo Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen. It has an SPF of 50+ and it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s also free of harmful chemicals, so it’s safe for the whole family.

After-Sun Care

Even if you’re using sunscreen, it’s still possible to get a sunburn. To soothe your skin and help prevent peeling, pack some after-sun care products.

We love Solar Recovery After Sun Moisturizing Spray. We first discovered it in Panama City Beach, Florida on a vacation where one of the kids was sunburnt. This spray was a life-saver! Made with all natural ingredients quickly relieve the sting of the sunburn.

Another great option is Aloe Vera Gel. This natural product can be found in most drug stores and it’s great for relieving the pain of a sunburn.

Bug Spray

No one likes dealing with bugs, but unfortunately, they’re a fact of life when you’re spending time outdoors. To help keep the bugs at bay, pack some bug spray.

We recommend Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent. This repellent is safe for kids and adults, and it’s effective against a wide variety of bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers.

For a natural option, try Babyganics Insect Repellent. This plant-based repellent is safe for kids and adults, and it’s free of harmful chemicals.

First Aid Kit

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack a first aid kit when you’re spending time outdoors.

Your first aid kit doesn’t need to be anything fancy. A small bag with some band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and a small tube of antibiotic ointment is all you need. See what we pack in our hiking first-aid kit as well as our general first aid kit with all natural products.

For a more comprehensive kit, we recommend the Adventure Medical Kits – First Aid Kit. This kit has everything you need to deal with a variety of injuries, and it’s small enough to fit in your backpack.

Beach Activities Checklist

Will you be spending your days lounging on the beach or exploring the area? Choose your activities and then pack accordingly.

• Frisbee
• Football
• Volleyball
• Beach toys for sand castles, etc.
• Boogie boards/surfboards
• Hiking gear
• Fishing gear
• Snorkel/swim goggles
• Kayaks or standup paddleboards
• Bike
• Camera/GoPro

Other Beach Camping Essentials

In addition to the items on this list, there are a few other things you’ll want to bring on your beach camping trip.

• Prescription medications
• Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
• Cooking stove, pots/pans, and utensils
• Trash bags
• Portable Safe

Beach Camping Packing List Printable

Now that you know what to take on your beach camping trip, you can start packing! With this comprehensive beach camping packing list, you’ll be sure to have everything you need for a fun and relaxing trip!

Click this link below to download and print your own beach camping packing list!

Travel Items You Don’t Want to Forget

If you are flying to your beach destination, make sure you have the necessary travel documents and that they are stored in your personal item. You should have photo identification, passports, (birth certificates for minors in your group), health insurance cards, credit cards, and boarding passes with you at all times, perhaps in a money belt.

Solo Parent Traveling Internationally

If you are traveling internationally as a solo parent with your child(ren), don’t forget to fill out the minor child travel consent form and have it notarized. Some countries require you to have documentation that you have the other parent’s permission to take your child(ren) aboard. This form will suffice.

Travel Insurance

Before you travel, make sure you have travel insurance. This will give you peace of mind in case any accidents or mishaps occur while you’re away from home. I use and recommend SquareMouth for travel insurance. They offer flexible plans and coverage for a variety of activities.

Prepping Your Home While You Are Away

If your family is all leaving home together, don’t forget to keep your home safe while you’re away. Not only should you keep yourself safe on vacation, but you need to prepare your home for your departure. 

Consider the following: 

• Hold your mail 
• Stop deliveries 
• Board your pets or arrange for a pet sitter
• Schedule bill payments 
• Unplug unnecessary appliances 
• Lock your doors and windows 
• Put timers on the lights
• Secure your valuables 
• Give a travel itinerary to a trusted friend 
• Set your alarm, maybe two, the day of departure

Use these checklists as a jumping-off point for your own personalized beach packing list. Make a checklist of everything you’ll need to bring to the beach, going through your travel plans one by one and making sure you don’t forget anything crucial. 

Consider how you’ll dress (in your mind) from head to toe each day, taking into account the weather and what activities you will do. Now it’s time to gather your friends, pack your bags, take a final pre-trip picture for social media, and enjoy your glorious beach vacation getaway!